1. COMMON SENSE PARENTING
Training for Parents

2. What is the goal of Christian parenting?
Raise our children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4)
Raise children who are well-prepared for life
Raise children who are a blessing and joy to be around, “that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified” (Isa. 61:3)

3. Parental control Self control Spirit control Progression: Infant Child
Adult
Spirit control

4. What does it take? A sincere love for God and his Word
A loving husband/wife relationship
TIME – daily living (Deut. 6:6-9)
Prayer – ask God to work on their hearts
Committed effort

5. Stages of childrearing:
Discipline: birth to 5
Training: age 6 to 12
Coaching: age 13 to 18
Friendship: around 19, maybe sooner

6. Authority
Influence

7. Key principles:
Motive – discipline demonstrates love (Prov. 1:7-8; Heb.12:5-6)
Purpose – a harvest of righteousness and peace
Authority – you are in charge!

8. Non-negotiables for the child:
RESPECT (Prov. 30:17)
TRUTHFULNESS
OBEDIENCE (happy, immediate, complete!)

9. RESPECT: For parents – 5th commandment
For authority – parents must train by example, not mere words
For the elderly – Lev.19:32
For peers and siblings – remind children they are each other’s lifelong best friend
For property of others
For creation/nature

10. Give the moral reason for conduct:
Train your child to think morally, not just act morally
Saturate your child in Scripture!
Must be in parents’ hearts; no double standard

11. Teach a Biblical worldview:
Love/fear the Lord above all other things (Prov.9:10; Lev.19:18)
Honor your father and mother
Do not murder – respect for life and right relationships
Do not commit adultery – sanctity of sexual relationship in marriage
Do not steal – respect for others’ property
Do not lie – respect for the truth
Do not covet – respect for contentment in life

12. Miscellaneous:
Distinguish childlike foolishness from willful disobedience
Never give a command you don’t intend to enforce (the threatening- repeating parent)
Help your children obey (pre-training, 5 minute warning with eye contact and verbal response, instruction, post-training commendation or reward for reinforcement)
Be mindful of the condition of your flock (tired, sick, hungry, etc.)
Your home must be a safe haven for conversation – about anything!

13. CONCLUSION: Your job as a parent is:
Lead your children to the Lord
Be a gentle, consistent disciplinarian, teacher, and shepherd
Set a godly example